Fibromyalgia is defined as a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and psychological issues. Symptoms may begin after physical trauma, surgery, infection, or significant psychological stress. Sometimes there is no direct cause and symptoms gradually accumulate over time. Women have a higher incidence of fibromyalgia. There are no medical cures, hoverer the medicines taht are being used, eliminate the pain slightly. New studies show that yoga is more effective for relieving fibromyalgia than medication.

In 2010, Oregon Health and Science University conducted a study  with 53 female subjects with fibromyalgia. The women were assigned randomly to two groups. Group 1 participated in an eight-week yoga program, which included introductory level yoga, breathing, and meditation. Group 2 was the control group and received standard medical treatment.

The results gathered shows that yoga beneficial for combating various fibromyalgia symptoms, including pain, fatigue, stiffness, difficulty sleeping, depression, poor memory, anxiety and poor balance. Improvements were statistically and clinically significant, which means that the changes were drastic enough to have an effect on daily functioning. Pain was reduced in the yoga group by an average of 24 percent, fatigue by 30 percent, and depression by 42 percent.

Montclair chiropractor, Dr. Eshanov, recommends yoga for patients looking to improve there flexibility, reduce pain, and improve overall health. Dr. Eshanov, warns patients, that not all of the yoga poses may be suitable for every person; for example a patient with a posterior disc herniation may aggravate it while doing any yoga poses involving lumbar extension, lateral or medial disc herniation pain may be exacerbated when doing poses lateral bending. Furthermore, patients with shoulder, wrist or other extremity problems must be careful while doing yoga and are advised to tell the instructor of any preexisting conditions so as to get some help modifying certain poses. The doctor’s wife, Crystal, teaches Hatha and restorative yoga and advises students to go at their own pace and to develop and grow their practice and experience; rushing through the yoga poses is not recommended.

For individuals looking to seriously improve their health chiropractic and yoga are a great combination. The two work synergistically to increase range of motion, reduce pain, and improve overall wellness.

(Dr. Gary Eshanov, is a highly recommended family chiropractor in Montclair (NJ). Crystal Eshanov is an RYT-500 level certified yoga instructor. People looking for chiropractors in Montclair are invited to schedule a consultation by calling (973) 900-2660, or by filling out an appointment request online. Crystal holds group classes at Namaxe Yoga in Bloomfield (NJ) and private/semi-private classes at the Montclair Chiropractic Center on Church Street in Montclair. Saturday appointments and yoga classes available by request.)